FAQ

What is Bruno United?

Bruno United is a top-flight premier youth soccer club for boys and girls. The club is for players of the highest ability and personal character. Bruno United strives to provide the best opportunities to the most deserving individuals; including children from disadvantaged economic backgrounds and a racially diverse cross-section of Rhode Island.

The club offers preeminent professional coaching, unmatched facilities, and a philosophy of "total development" of young people.

Who is Bruno United for?

Bruno United is only for the serious and ambitious soccer player. The club expects that after school and family, Bruno United will be a top priority in the player's activity choices.

The club seeks to attract youth soccer players of the highest ability, regadless of backgrounds. Bruno United's player-development philosophy moves beyond the soccer field to promote responsibility and the life skills necessary for success in every facet of the players' lives.

What does Bruno United offer soccer players?

Bruno United offers three things to its players and parents:

  1. Preeminent professional coaching.
  2. Superior facilities.
  3. A philosophy that emphasizes "total-development" of the player on and off the field.

Preeminent coaching: Bruno United provides preeminent/unmatched professional coaching. The club's former president Mike Noonan is a nationally recognized coach who possessed the highest level of coaching certification in the United States and in Europe.  Gregg Miller, Bruno's Director of Coaching, carefully chooses and oversees the coaching staff. The coaches use the latest training methods and techniques. The coaches are chosen because of their knowledge of the game, and also for their ability to work with and relate to young players.

Superior facilities: Bruno United's facilities include: Milot (Moses Brown) fields in Rehoboth, MA (five minutes from East Providence, RI), The Wheeler Farm fields in Seekonk, MA (two minutes from RI) and Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. The new indoor facility, Wide World of Indoor Sports is used for foul weather and off-season training.

The total-development philosophy: At Bruno United winning is important, but the development of players comes first. While the soccer training and competition the club provides is top-notch, Bruno United works to develop the connection between soccer skills and life skills. The importance of academics, respect for others, responsibility, and accountability are integral to what coaches teach their players. In addition to the coaching staff, players from the soccer teams at Brown University assist with training and serve as role models and mentors.

The club also emphasizes an "apolitical" approach to soccer. Soccer, not politics, guides the club's decisions. Decisions about players are made by soccer professionals and based on the interests of the team, the club, and the players.

How often do teams practice and play?

Most teams practice two times per week and play a game on the weekend. Teams play two or three tournaments per year.

During the fall, the season for ages 12-14 runs from the end of August until November. Teams may/ will also play an indoor session and train indoors from January until weather permits them to get outdoors.

In the spring, the season for ages 12-18 runs from March through July.

Bruno United teams compete in:

  • NEP: New England Premiership League
  • MAPLE: Massachusetts Premier League
  • NEPSYL: New England Premier Soccer Youth League
  • Region 1 Premier League
  • US Club Soccer
  • Region 1 Sub-regional premier leagues
  • Local, Regional, and National Tournaments
  • International Tours

The Soccer Academy: Bruno United also has a soccer academy for boys and girls ages 9-12. The academy is designed to provide younger players with a foundation of skills for future success. The academy trains once a week. The academy emphasizes development, but also minimizes the high pressure that can lead to lead to the "burn-out" of young soccer players. Those interested should contact John Tomlinson at jrtomo@cox.net.

How do I know if my child should try out for Bruno United?

If your child has demonstrated both a commitment to, and love of soccer on and off the playing field, Bruno United is a great opportunity. Parents should also be comfortable with the philosophy of the club and aware of the commitment that comes with playing premier soccer.

How are players chosen to play for Bruno United?

Bruno United selects its players in a series of tryouts held in June and July. Occasionally players are added during the season, dependant on roster size and availability. Every player trying-out is given a careful look using specific objective criteria by several coaches at the club.

My child has been contacted by another club trying to recruit him/her. Why should my child play for Bruno United?

Philosophically, Bruno United does not believe in recruiting 9, 10, or 11 year old children. We are not prepared to make promises regarding your child's ability or where we see their future in the game. However, we are completely confident that the quality of coaching and teaching that your child will receive is the best available. Therefore, we do not feel that there is a need to recruit and that the quality of our coaching speaks for itself.

How much does Bruno United cost?

The fees for Bruno United are all-inclusive and can be paid in several installments over the course of the year. While we may not be the "cheapest" club in the area, we believe that you get what you pay for with preeminent coaching and outstanding facilities. It is also worth noting that our fees may appear initially to be expensive, BUT, the annual costs of comparable clubs throughout the nation are significantly higher:

2010-2011 Fees

U12-U14 (Fall, Winter, Spring): $1750
U15-U17 (Winter, Spring): $1500
U18 (Winter - Spring): $750
Academy (U10-U11): $750

The cost includes:

  • Coaching
  • Facility Rental (Indoor and Outdoor)
  • Uniforms: U12-U18 - Jerseys (2), Shorts (1), Socks (2)
                    Academy - Jersey (1), shorts (1), socks (1)
  • Referee Fees
  • Tournaments: U12-U14 (2); U15-U17 (3); U18 (2); Academy does not attend tournaments
  • Registrations: NEP, MAPLE League, USYSA, Indoor Leagues, U.S. Club Soccer, State Cup

Does Bruno United offer scholarships?

Bruno United offers a scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded based on need-not on ability. Approximately 12% of players at Bruno United are on scholarship. Funds for scholarships are raised through fundraising events, and corporate and individual gifts.

The one-page scholarship application can be obtained on the website under the Registration and Forms section.

What if I have other questions?

Bruno United has a player-parent manual and other information on this site that gives a more in-depth view of the club. You may also contact John Tomlinson, Director of Coaching for Bruno United, at (401) 258-7308 or at jrtomo@cox.net.